Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

Teresa Martinez | Director of Communications
The Astronomy Club at Belen Jesuit will gather to watch the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21st beginning at 2:30 p.m. from the school’s Fr. Benito Vieñes, SJ Observatory.
Participating students will gather on the rooftop along with astronomer enthusiast Jesuit Father Pedro Cartaya and Astronomer Dan Del Rio. The group anticipates an 83% visibility and will watch the eclipse on 3 different telescopes ranging in size from 8 – 16 inches. Solar viewing glasses will be provided. Members of the Astronomy club will be taking pictures of this historic moment using a CCD camera for astrophotography.
 
“This is certainly a unique opportunity for the members of the Astronomy club to utilize the observatory,” said Mr. Jose E. Roca, Principal. “Although we won’t be able to see 100% of the eclipse, they will be able to witness a large part of the sun disappear behind the moon and will surely have an unforgettable experience.”

Due to the total solar eclipse, orientation for all new students will end at noon instead of the 2 p.m. originally scheduled dismissal. Limited space to observe the eclipse on campus is reserved for members of the Astronomy club. Eye safety is of utmost importance during this natural phenomenon. Students are reminded to NOT look directly at the sun and to use specialized protective glasses (sunglasses won’t do). 

(Updated on August 11, 2017)
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BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain.  The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline.  In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty.  The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow.  Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.